Jake Bates' 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining propelled the Detroit Lions to a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Vikings, marking the Vikings' first loss in a game that showcased the NFL's most competitive division. Jahmyr Gibbs contributed significantly with 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the second quarter. Jared Goff orchestrated a 48-yard drive in just four plays, setting up the winning kick and forcing the Vikings to use their timeouts. Bates has been flawless this season, converting all 10 of his field goal attempts. Both teams now share a 5-1 record, leading the NFC North. Goff's performance was stellar, completing 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers, marking his third consecutive game with a passer rating over 140, a feat achieved by only Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999), and Roger Staubach (1971) in NFL history.
In another game, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a potentially season-ending Achilles tendon injury during their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson's injury occurred on a non-contact play as he was preparing to pass, causing his leg to crumple. The injury adds to Watson's tumultuous tenure with the Browns, marked by off-field issues, injuries, and subpar performance. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow secured his first road win against the Bengals' AFC North rivals, throwing two touchdown passes in the third quarter to end a six-game losing streak at Cleveland. The Bengals have now won three of their last four games after a slow start to the season.
Brandon McManus kicked a 45-yard field goal as time expired in his debut with the Green Bay Packers, securing a victory over the Houston Texans. The Packers overcame three turnovers to win their third consecutive game and end the Texans' three-game winning streak. Houston's Joe Mixon rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while Ka'imi Fairbairn was perfect on his field goal attempts, including a 35-yarder that put the Texans ahead with 1:44 left. Green Bay's Jordan Love completed 23 of 31 passes for 214 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Houston's CJ Stroud struggled, completing just 10 of 21 passes for a career-low 86 yards and was sacked four times. Both teams now hold a 5-2 record.
Amari Cooper scored the go-ahead touchdown in his debut with the Buffalo Bills, helping Josh Allen overcome a slow start to throw two touchdown passes in his 100th career start. Cooper's 12-yard TD catch was his first with the Bills, coming just five days after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns. Ty Johnson, James Cook, and Ray Davis also contributed to the Bills' rout with touchdown runs. Allen, who was limited in the first half, finished with 21 of 33 passes for 323 yards.
Geno Smith passed for two touchdowns and Derick Hall returned a fumble 36 yards for a clinching score, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a victory over the Atlanta Falcons and snapping a three-game losing streak. The Seahawks, now 4-3, ended Atlanta's three-game winning streak, holding the Falcons' offense, which had averaged 37 points in the previous two weeks, to a lower output. Smith completed 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards, connecting with Kenneth Walker and DK Metcalf for key touchdowns.
Saquon Barkley rushed for 176 yards and a touchdown against his former team, the New York Giants, while Jalen Hurts contributed three scores, lifting the Philadelphia Eagles to victory. Barkley, who faced boos from the MetLife Stadium crowd, scored on a three-yard run and had significant gains of 55, 38, and 41 yards. Hurts completed 10 of 14 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, adding two rushing scores to secure the Eagles' second straight win. AJ Brown had five catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, while the Eagles took advantage of the absence of All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas to sack Daniel Jones seven times.
Tyler Goodson ran for one touchdown and Anthony Richardson led the Indianapolis Colts on two fourth-quarter scoring drives to secure a victory over the Miami Dolphins. The Colts, now 4-3, have won four of their last five games and three straight at home. Matt Gay's 22-yard field goal gave the Colts the lead, and a defensive stop in the final minute sealed the win over the NFL's lowest-scoring team. The Dolphins, who have lost four of five, missed a 54-yard field goal that could have tied the game.
In a historic moment, Jacksonville receiver Parker Washington scampered 96 yards for the longest punt return touchdown in Jaguars history. Washington's touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion gave the Jaguars a 22-10 lead, which they maintained against the Patriots, who were criticized by their head coach Jerod Mayo for being 'soft'.
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